Capt. Hugh Reavis Nelson Jr., Citadel Class of 1959, was recently honored with the Medal of Honor. In further tribute to this recognition, The Citadel held an event on campus for his family to celebrate Nelson’s life and the sacrifice he made.

On Friday, Jan. 3, the United States honored Capt. Hugh Reavis Nelson Jr., Citadel Class of 1959, with the nation’s highest military decoration — the Medal of Honor — for his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War.

Members of The Citadel leadership participated in the dedication ceremony the plaque, honoring 16 graduates and former cadets of The Citadel.

“Christopher Celiz was courage made flesh,” said President Joe Biden during the Medal of Honor presentation ceremony on Dec. 16.

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Celiz attended The Citadel from 2004 – 2006 before leaving the college in good standing to enlist in the Army.

Despite the inability to host a traditional event, Memorial Day 2020 would not be disregarded by the Association of the U.S. Army and the Citadel Alumni Association.